The first ten steps in returning to the labor market

Many  have spent the last year without employment, whether or not of their own wishes. The large majority are now taking the first steps back to the labor market. Even for those who chose not to work, the return to the labor market is not easy and involves quite a few fears and doubts − whether these are professional uncertainties or feelings of lack of confidence, low motivation and energy. So how do you take the first steps, how do you strengthen your self-confidence, and how do you come better prepared for an interview?

Here are ten steps that will help you on the way to there:

1. Take a moment and sit down and think, and define for yourself the jobs and fields that interest you. It may be that the Covid period caused you to slightly change your fields of interest and you want to try a new field. Make sure that your definition isn't too narrow and is liable to considerably limit the options available to you. On the other hand, it is also important that the definition should not be too broad. This will make it difficult for you to focus and is also liable to cause the interviewer to think that you haven't finally decided which direction to choose.

2. Make use of your time at home to acquire additional skills and come to the interview with the latest information that exist in the market regarding the job that you are competing for. There currently exist numerous free courses and contents in the Internet. This may be new software or improvement of your English. This will help you to stand out against other candidates and will also improve your self-confidence.

3. Start to build your networking. Every one of us has a network of connections. Open your cellphone and start building a list of people. This may be from a previous place of work, friends from your childhood, or relative. You can never know whom they know. Start telling everyone that you are looking for a job, give details to the contact persons of what you are looking for and ask them to listen. If you are interested in a specific place of work, check if they know people who can connect you to there. Don't be afraid and don't be shy. This time they are helping you, next time you will help them.

4. Upgrade your CV. After you finish writing your CV give it to friends who will provide feedback. There's lots of information in the Internet in the subject. Remember: never send the same CV for all the jobs. Match the CV every time to the job for which you are competing. Emphasize the relevant qualifications and experience in accordance with the requirements of the position.

5. Scan your profiles in your networks. It is important that they should display the right message for the position that you are looking for. They can be useful for you but are also liable to harm you. Many human resources managers currently also check the social network pages of the candidates.

6. Come prepared to the interview. Make use of existing contents in the Internet and carry out simulations with friends. It is important to learn about the company and the job that you are coming to. This may give you an advantage over other candidates, and also radiate seriousness. Interviewers currently expect that the interview will be conducted as a dialog, as a two-sided conversation. It is especially important to practice challenging questions, such as "why didn't you work for a year?" (a possible answer may be "there were only a few position in the market, and it was important for me to choose a job for which I have full motivation, such as this one".

7. Decide what is important for you and on what you are prepared to compromise. Every job, regardless of how much it is desired, obligates compromises. Make a list of the basic things for which you won't compromise (for example, twice a week to finish working at 15:00) and for which you are prepared to be flexible (for example, the height of the salary). It is important that this message is sent to the interviewer.

8. During the period of the interviews keep to a routine that fills you with energy and strengthens your self-confidence. For example, engage in sport, allocate time for your hobby or for meeting friends. It is not recommended that you concentrate solely on seeking work. It is important to remember that this is an exhausting process, that in the end is liable to be damaging.

9. Your external appearance is important, not only for the first impression but also for a feeling of ease and self-confidence. A hair cut or a new outfit may make all the different between lack of confidence and a comfortable and sure appearance − everything that causes us to feel better with ourselves. Don't underestimate these things. You will realize the influence that this has on the degree of confidence that you radiate in the interview.

10. The most important − don't forget that the process involves patience, and that during it you will encounter jobs that you will decide to discard, or companies that will send you negative replies. This is only natural and it happens to all of us. Learn the important lessons from this process, straighten your back, and continue to the next challenge.